Overview

Photography has evolved into a dominant medium of image-making and visual communication since its inception in the nineteenth century. Its significance spans various disciplines, including art history, media studies, cultural studies, and more. The MA in History of Photography with Curating at Birkbeck, University of London, provides a comprehensive exploration of photographic practices and cultures, fostering both academic and vocational engagement with this dynamic field.

Why History of Photography with Curating at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck is recognised as one of the top universities in the UK for Art and Design research, having achieved a commendable ranking in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The university boasts a vibrant research culture, with opportunities to engage in various centres, including the History and Theory of Photography Research Centre. Students benefit from access to extensive resources, including the Jo Spence Memorial Library and Archive, and can participate in exclusive visits to photographic exhibitions and archives.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the History of Photography with Curating (Part-time) programme are as follows:

• National students: £5,535 per year
• International students: £10,170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The course structure requires the completion of modules totalling 180 credits, which include:

• Two compulsory modules (30 credits each)
• One option module (30 credits)
• A research exercise (30 credits)
• A 15,000-word dissertation (60 credits)

Compulsory modules include:

• Curating
• Frameworks: Histories and Theories of Art, Architecture, Photography

Indicative option modules may include:

• Art and Devotion in Fifteenth-Century Italy
• Art and Identity: 'Race', Ideology, Culture
• Art Museums in a Global Age
• Contemporary Photography and the Index
• Exhibiting the Pain of Others: Museums, Violence and Memory
• Modernity's Waste Spaces

Careers with History of Photography with Curating

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in academia, the creative arts, media, and photography. Potential roles include:

• Higher education lecturer
• Museum/gallery curator
• Photographer or press photographer
• Community arts worker
• Advertising art director

With a comprehensive careers service available, students are supported throughout their career journey, ensuring they can connect their educational experiences with future ambitions.